Pitch Grist

Want to write for Grist? Our independent, online publication covers stories that are essential to fighting climate change and achieving a better tomorrow — or, as we like to describe it, a planet that doesn’t burn and a future that doesn’t suck.

Think you’ve got an idea that fits the bill? We’ll take a look! Right now we’re open to the following types of queries:

Opinions

Grist will consider columns and commentary about current events and ongoing concerns related to our core topics. We’re always looking for new voices and fresh, surprising perspectives (bonus points if you’re funny).

All submissions must be original and not previously published elsewhere. Maximum length is 1,000 words.

To offer pieces for consideration, pleaseemail them to our our opinions editor with “op-ed submission” in the subject line. Due to high volume, we can’t respond to each submission immediately, but you will hear from us within a week or so if we plan to publish your column.

Reporting

Most of our work is staff written. As a nonprofit, we don’t have a huge contributor budget. Which means we don’t accept a lot of freelance reporting pitches — just the exceptional ones.

We’re looking for well-written and thought-provoking pieces with big impact that will be read and widely shared. The ideal Grist story is smart and deeply informed, providing context, delight, and insight.

We’re interested in a wide range of original reporting about our core topics, from investigative journalism to whip-smart news analysis to insightful profiles of key figures in sustainability. We will also consider video storytelling, data visualizations, and other forms of multimedia.

These pieces are paid at negotiated rates (though remember, we’re a nonprofit, so we ain’t shelling out Vanity Fair money over here). Please email pitches toour editorial team along with links to writing samples, or contact the appropriate topic editor directly. Here’s a staff list.

Don’t Bother

Here are some things we’re not interested in: fiction, poetry (we like those two things, we just don’t publish them), travel narratives (yes, even that awesome new eco-resort you’re just dying to visit), meditations on nature, puff pieces, critters, stories of interest only to a local audience, the guaranteed-to-save-the-world gadget you’re promoting on Kickstarter, or anything at all that you’re trying to sell on Earth Day (unless you want us to mock you mercilessly — we do that sort of thing).